Top USC commit Alijah Arenas, the record-setting Chatsworth High basketball star and son of former NBA guard Gilbert Arenas, was placed in an induced coma Thursday after a Tesla Cybertruck crash in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley. The 18-year-old, ranked No. 13 nationally in the 2025 class, lost control of the vehicle around 4:55 a.m., striking a fire hydrant and tree before the truck burst into flame.
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Immediate aftermath: Good Samaritans pulled Arenas from the burning Cybertruck, with video showing him writhing in pain near a spewing hydrant before paramedics arrived.
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Medical status: Hospitalized in serious but stable condition with smoke inhalation-related injuries, per reports. An induced coma is standard protocol for such cases.
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Basketball legacy: First player in CIF LA City Section history to surpass 3,000 career points, leading Chatsworth to consecutive state finals[^chicoer].
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Vehicle fire: The Cybertruck reignited at a tow yard, requiring hazardous materials response.
USC coach Eric Musselman and NBA figures rallied support online, while Arenas’ mother, Laura Govan, pleaded for prayers on social media
[^chicoer]. The crash occurred weeks after Arenas’ McDonald’s All-American Game appearance and adidas sponsorship announcement.